Increased BUDI Cash Aid Provides Much Needed Relief To Target Groups

KUALA LUMPUR, April 15 (Bernama) -- The government’s move to raise cash assistance under the BUDI BUDI Agri-Komoditi and BUDI Diesel Individu initiatives to RM400 per month, up from RM300 in April, has brought relief to targeted groups in coping with rising living and operational costs.

The measure is seen as timely, particularly in easing the financial burden of farmers, paddy growers, and small traders who rely on diesel for their economic activities.

In KEDAH, the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (MADA) Farmers’ Organisation Coordinating Committee said the increase directly benefits 55,904 farmers in the region and serves as crucial support in addressing rising production costs.

“Farmers in the MADA area express their highest appreciation to the government for its continued concern in ensuring the sustainability of the agricultural sector and safeguarding national food security,” the committee said in a statement today.

Meanwhile, Azhar Bakar, 67, from Alor Setar, who has been cultivating padi for 30 years, said the increase is especially helpful during the planting season begins.

In SELANGOR, goat breeder Kamal Ali, 51, from Banting said the increased BUDI Agri-Commodities aid helps reduce rising daily operating costs and he was currently optimising diesel usage by planning travel more systematically, especially ahead of Aidiladha when demand for sacrificial animals rises.

In PAHANG, private sector employee Ahmad Efendy Jamaludin, 47, said the increase helps ease cost-of-living pressures for those using diesel vehicles and expressed hope that it would prevent sudden increases in prices, especially food items.

Businessman Aziyadi Abdullah, 54, said the initiative helps cover part of diesel costs in the short term and contributes to stabilising prices of essential goods.

In KELANTAN, Kelantan Paddy Farmers Association (PESAK) chairman Zuha Ismail, said the initiative was good news for farmers and reflects the government’s concern for their needs amid rising costs.

“Almost all machinery used in paddy cultivation relies on diesel. Ploughing costs have increased several times, while other expenses have also risen, including the use of pumps to channel water to paddy fields during the current dry season,” he said.

In JOHOR, cattle and goat breeder Muhd Muhadir Abdullah, 46, from Batu Pahat said the increased assistance helps ease the burden of breeders dependent on diesel vehicles for daily operations.

He said his four-wheel-drive vehicle has been essential for transporting livestock or meat to customers over the past 20 years.

Meanwhile, transport business operator Azalie Arshad, 42, from Mersing said the BUDI Diesel Individual aid helps him cope with high diesel costs.

The father of three said he has been affected by rising fuel prices due to the global energy crisis, with expenses increasing by about RM800 per month for his multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) and Toyota Hilux, forcing him to purchase a Perodua Axia as a cost-saving measure amid mounting operational pressures.

-- BERNAMA